After talking with a few friends and wildlife officials I have decided to go ahead and post this. Tradgang will be the extent of my online posting. You all are a family and so many of my friends and family have urged me to post on the topic for your benefit.
6 yards of cold mountain air separated me from the mountains apex predator in milky darkness. After a continued advances of the cat and a failed effort to make the cat retreat I released an arrow which struck true at the base of the neck with the cat facing me and prepared to pounce... I heard the "thunk" of my arrow and the lion leapt into the air with a deep growl. I heard a crash a few short seconds later. Wildlife officials were contacted and confirmed my story. ...Colorado Mountain lion season is closed currently and my actions would have been highly illegal had I not been in imminent danger. To those who are venturing into the high country I would recommend carrying bear spray and or a side arm. I have carried these in the past but neglected them on this trip. Either would have most likely deterred the attack and saved the life of this beautiful animal. I am thankful to be unhurt but just as deeply remorseful of my neglect of standard wilderness safety. ... if you are ever in a similar situation with a mountain lion remember to not run! Rather, yell and make advances. If the cat attacks fight back with everything you have. Mountain lions do not like to be resisted or challenged.
.... oh, and a few days later I missed a long shot at a tremendous mule deer buck, shot right over his back. Overall it was a tremendous hunt!